Used 2019 Kia Forte EX Sedan Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2019 Kia Forte EX Sedan.
Most helpful consumer reviews
CVT Failure
Christian, Vineland, NJ, 12/19/2019
2019 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
had this car since april Drive it a lot because of work. at 18500 miles the CVT transmission has died on me. was at light and the car wouldn’t go until i turn off and turned on the from there on it moved slowly. there are multiple other people with the same issue just google forte cvt complaint. i brought it to the dealership and they said i need a new transmission, but there were 4 … other fortes with the same problem so the part is on back order for 6 weeks. it is an amazing car, but this makes it a no go
IT IS A KEEPER
Paul, Irwin, PA, 02/07/2019
2019 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
I have the EX Launch edition. It has almost every safety feature available and I am very pleased. My first choice was the Honda Civic, there were no incentives. Then I saw the features on the Forte and the price, bye Honda. The Forte has room,comfort and pleasing interior. It is a quiet car considering it is a compact and very road worthy. My other car is a Nissan Murano and I compare … the Forte to be an equal,all things considered. A nice clean exterior and smooth design. Why green valve caps on black wheels? The Fortes trunk is very roomy with a hidden storage area under the trunk mat,nice. So far gas mileage is about 33mpg, I only have 513 miles on it. Harmon Kardom radio is fantastic! I do not have a heated steering wheel, darn, but the ventilated seats are really nice. I highly recommend this vehicle,never having a compact car, I traded a 2010 Mustang yeah I know, I am happy with my decision. My 11 year old grand kids miss the Pony but do have a lot of rear seat room.
CAN'T GO WRONG WITH THIS CAR!
Rose S., Sacramento, CA, 02/15/2019
2019 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Looking for something sleek and sexy? Want to turn heads as you cruise down the road? Want to know that you have a good vehicle that is going to get you to your destination effectively, fashionably, and safely? Then look no further, because the 2019 Kia Forte EX is DEFINITELY the car for you. I recently purchased this vehicle and could not be more happier. It is by far one of the … best vehicles I have ever owned. (And I have had a Kia before!) Kia's warranty alone is a MAJOR selling point for them, but all the extras is just an added bonus to the customer. This car is so affordable too! If you are feeling a little daring and adventurous, do what I did and get this vehicle in the "CURRANT RED". (Why not!!!?? You only live once right?) Get ready for the ride of your life, because this car is not only fun, but makes sense economically!
Surprisingly Good
TomJ, San Marcos, CA, 08/10/2019
2019 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
I spent two weeks in a Forte on a recent vacation, by mistake actually. There were five of us, and we reserved a larger car, but ended up with this instead. Yes, it's crowded with three in back, and with suitcases in the trunk, the rear suspension was pretty compressed. But it handled and accelerated acceptably well. With a lighter load, it was responsive. And we averaged 47 mpg on … a long highway trip. The transmission did not seem like a CVT, and exhibited none of the annoyances those things are known for. Reliability after 100,000 mi. is another question, however, and CVTs are not rebuildable - it's seven grand for a new one. One design flaw however, is that the hood release latch is too exposed. I kicked it open three times during those two weeks. It only happened when getting out, so I managed to shut it, but it could get hairy on the highway.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2019 Kia Forte EX Sedan
What’s new
- The Kia Forte sedan has been fully redesigned for 2019
- Stinger-influenced style and many new features
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Plenty of features for the money
- Pro:Strong fuel economy estimates
- Pro:Generous warranty coverage
- Pro:Easy-to-use technology interface
- Con:Stiff ride quality
- Con:Back seat isn't quite as roomy as those of some rivals
- Con:Not much fun to drive on winding roads
Which Forte does Edmunds recommend?
With four trim levels, choosing the right Forte largely depends on what you're looking for. For a practical and well-equipped car, we'd suggest the LXS. It's a step above the base model, and with that you get larger alloy wheels, the upgraded transmission, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, and nicer interior soft-touch surfaces.
Full Edmunds Review: 2019 Kia Forte Sedan
Driving
7.0The Forte is ultimately a middle-of-the-road performer. Kia has done a good job making the relatively low-power engine feel stronger than its numbers suggest. In routine driving, the Forte feels confident enough. But start to push it and the Forte simply can't keep pace with top rivals.
Comfort
8.0The supportive seats, quiet cabin, and straightforward climate controls are the highlights. The Forte has a stiffer and less refined ride compared to some competitors, but otherwise this car scores well for comfort.
Interior
8.0Kia has done an excellent job designing the Forte's interior. A mix of textures makes the well-built interior look more grown-up and refined. The controls are logical and easy to find, and the seating position offers a wide range of adjustability. That said, the rear seats don't offer much legroom, and visibility is a mixed bag.
Utility
8.5For a small sedan, the Forte offers excellent utility. The trunk is large for the class, with a wide, flat load floor and a generous opening. Inside the cabin, there's lots of small-item storage options to help you organize your stuff.
Technology
8.0Overall, the Kia offers a lot of well-integrated features, from an excellent touchscreen interface to good device integration and useful — if limited — voice controls. There's also a full suite of safety features and driver aids. But adaptive cruise is an option available only on the highest trim level.
Jump to:Related 2019 Forte articles
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2019 Kia Forte in Colorado is:
$88.42 per month*Legal